Assessment Information

Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8 and grade 11
What is the test format? The Smarter Balanced assessments are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards

Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8 and grade 11 whose individualized education program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments
What is the test format? The CAAs for ELA and math are computer-based tests that are administered one-on-one by a test examiner who is familiar with the student.
Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards through the Core Content Connectors

Who takes the test? Students take the CAST in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, either in grade 10, 11, or 12.
What is the test format? The CAST is computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS)

Who takes the test? Students whose IEP identifies the use of an alternate assessment take the CAA for Science in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, either in grade 10, 11, or 12.
What is the test format? The CAA for Science is a series of four performance tasks that can be administered throughout the year as the content is taught.
Which standards are tested? Alternate achievement standards derived from the CA NGSS

Who takes the test? The CSA is an optional test for students in grades 3–12 that tests their Spanish reading, listening, and writing mechanics.
What is the test format? The CSA is computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards en Español

Who takes the test? Students who have a home language survey that lists a language other than English will take the Initial test, which identifies students as an English learner student or as initially fluent in English. Students who are classified as English learner students will take the Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English.
What is the test format? Both the Initial and Summative ELPAC are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The 2012 California English Language Development Standards

Who takes the test? Students whose IEP identifies the use of an alternate assessment and who have a home language survey that lists a language other than English will take the Alternate Initial ELPAC, which identifies students as an English learner student or as initially fluent in English. Students who are classified as English learner students will take the Alternate Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English.
What is the test format? Both the Alternate Initial and Alternate Summative ELPAC are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? Alternate achievement standards derived from the 2012 California English Language Development Standards

Who takes the test? Students in grades 5, 7, and 9 will take the FITNESSGRAM®, which is the test used in California.
What is the test format? The test consists of five performance components: aerobic capacity, abdominal strength, trunk strength, upper body strength, and flexibility.
Which standards are tested? The Healthy Fitness Zones, which are established through the FITNESSGRAM®